Saudi Arabia Grants VistaJet First Foreign Domestic Flight License

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has authorized VistaJet as the first international private jet operator permitted to conduct domestic flights within the Kingdom, effective May 1, 2025. This decision follows the removal of cabotage restrictions for on-demand charter operations and marks a significant milestone in enhancing the country's general aviation market. GACA highlighted that allowing foreign private jet operators to operate domestically will increase competition, stimulate sector growth, and improve service quality for private aviation customers in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to diversify its economy, boost tourism, and position the Kingdom as a leading aviation and logistics hub connecting three continents. Officials view this step as critical to advancing the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and supporting the growth of the tourism sector. VistaJet's authorization reflects the Kingdom's broader goals to attract investment and elevate its competitiveness in the global aviation industry.